Evaluate your project

Storyline 1 - I have biomass available…

You have access to some biomass feedstock, and you want to valorise it. Can pyrolysis be an option? What could the biochar and other pyrolysis co-products be used for in your case?

1. Characterising the biomass stream

This section will help you characterise the biomass stream. There are

• What kind of biomass is available? Is it from one or multiple sources? e.g.
• When is the biomass available? e.g.
• How much biomass is produced? e.g.
• How wet is the biomass?
• Is it already pre-processed (dried, chipped, filter)?
• Are there any major impurities? e.g. sand beachcast / plastic contamination -
• Where is the biomass located & is it already collected?

An important aspect when assessing biomass' environmental impact is its potential alternative fate (internal link to page).

• Would you dedscribe this biomass as being a waste product (secondary) or as primary (i.e. land used dedicated for biomass production)?

feedback: secondary/primary

• Current biomass or land fate: what is the current fate of the biomass? Note: there is always a current fate, e.g. left to decay on site (i.e. becomes energy for microorganisms in the soil), sent to a waste management company, used for energy on-site, burnt on site without energy recovery.
• Possible biomass or land fate: what could be done with the land or biomass? Note: it is good practice to consider several possible fates? This could be: e.g. mulching, liquid biofuel, combustion for heating,

2. Is pyrolysis an option?

Can pyrolysis be used to treat your feedstock? Should it be done by your organisation or by a third-party? All this is likely to depend on your specific context.

Do you have a need for biochar? Do you have a need for the pyrolysis co-products?

Criterias in favor for investing in a pyrolysis equipment?

• q
• q

Criterias in favor for letting a third-party doing the pyrolysis?

• q
• q

3. Summary & useful resources

• Download a summary of the answer you typed in above by clicking here

• If you want to share your inputs with us, click here (an email pop-up will appear, with the information you typed in)

• Based on your storyline, here are some useful resources or similar case studies:

  • Stockholm Biochar Project >
  • Stockholmshem AB >

Storyline 2 - I have an energy need…

You have a need for some energy service, e.g. heating of premises, steam generation, or even biofuel. You want to know whether you should meet that energy need by biomass pyrolysis?

1. Characterising the energy need

• questions

Criteria in favor for pyrolysis:

Alternative heat source: current & possible?

2. What biomass source and biochar use?

Own biomass or getting from elsewhere?

Own biochar use, or selling to a wholesaler?

3. Summary & useful resources

Storyline 3 - I want to include biochar in my products…

You are developing and selling some kind of material product. You would like to consider whether biochar could be a component of your next product?

Storyline 4 - I am an investor or decision-maker…

You have heard about biochar, and you would like to invest or support a biochar project. Alternatively, you are a decision-maker or an consulting, and you have to decide whether or not to proceed with a biochar project, but lack an expertise in that area? The checklist below will try to get you covered.